On the History of PPR – FRG Treaty of 1970: From the Conflict of Interests to First Contacts (Late 1940s – Early 1960s)

Abstract

The issue of the recognition of the Oder–Neisse line as the western border of Polish People’s Republic (PPR) was one of the most important problems in the international relations in the Central and Eastern Europe after the World War II. The solution of the problem was complicated by the creation of two German states, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic, which didn’t recognize each other. PPR managed to sign Treaty of Zgorzelec with GDR in 1950, which legalize the Oder–Neisse line as the western border between the two states. This border wasn’t recognized by Konrad Adenauer, the chancellor of FRG and the ruling coalition of CDU / CSU. At the same time the government of the FRG was ready to develop Polish-German relations in economy and culture, from time to time reminding to the PPR about non-recognition of the Oder–Neisse line as the Polish western border. Adenauer’s tactic was implemented through the exchange with the Polish side by the public declarations and publications in press as well as through the contacts between the government of the PPR and Berthold Beitz, the influential businessman and unofficial emissary of the chancellor. The PPR supported ties with Beitz, but on the main issue its position remained firm and unchangeable: first the recognition the Oder–Neisse line as the border and only then the establishment of diplomatic relations. The PPR could pursue such a policy due to the Soviet Union, which had been defending the Oder–Neisse line as the western Polish-German border since 1945.

Received: 25.06.2024.
Revised: 17.09.2024.
Accepted: 18.03.2025.

Citation
Noskova A. F. On the History of PPR – FRG Treaty of 1970: From the Conflict of Interests to First Contacts (Late 1940s – Early 1960s) // Slavic Almanac. 2025. No. 1–2. P. 105–138 (in Russian). DOI: 10.31168/2073-5731.2025.1-2.05